The Department of Education and Department of Budget and Management have issued the Joint Circular No. 1 s., 2021, amending the National Budget Circular 514, s. 2007, which grants higher Special Hardship Allowance to eligible teachers and school heads.

During the EduAksyon press conference in Bicol Region, Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla shared the latest development on the provision of SHA in her financial updates for the education sector.

“May bago na issuance ang DBM at DepEd kasi gagawin na po natin ang hazard index. Ibig sabihin, hindi na kailangan mag-submit ng mga documents to claim the Special Hardship Allowance because DBM and DepEd agreed to issue new criteria for our [Special] Hardship Allowance,” Usec. Sevilla said. Under the new guidelines, qualified teachers will only submit their DTR as supporting document to avail of the said allowance.

Usec. Sevilla noted that the issuance increased the amount of SHA, from 15-25% of the monthly basic salary previously, to 25% of the monthly basic salary of the personnel assigned in hardship posts.

The grant of Special Hardship Allowance is given monthly to classroom teachers in elementary and secondary schools and school heads or administrators exposed to extreme difficulties and hazards, such as difficulty in commuting to the place of work.

SHA can also be availed by teachers in pure multigrade schools, mobile teachers, and non-formal education or Alternative Learning System (ALS) coordinators.

“We continue to honor our personnel, especially those who are in remote areas by addressing their concerns and providing their necessities according to their hard work. We proposed to lessen their burden by not asking for too many requirements to claim this allowance,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

“In these trying times, we salute the passion of our teachers who continuously deliver education to their learners, wherever they are. In this regard, as our Filipino educators commit to their duty, we are dedicated to prioritize their protection against any potential harm,” Sec. Briones added.

Meanwhile, Usec. Sevilla also shared updates on finance in the recent EduAksyon press conference, including the release of the mid-year bonus for personnel, and the Department’s proposal to increase honoraria for board election inspectors (BEIs), among others.

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